St. William of Rochester
Scottish layman and martyr (d. c. 1201), Perth baker famous for charity who adopted a foundling boy as son and apprentice; murdered by the boy on a planned pilgrimage to the Holy Land near Rochester in Kent. Patron of adopted children. Pre-Congregation cultus; canonized 1256 by Alexander IV.
Life & Times
Died: c. 1201 · From: Scotland / Rochester, England.
Patronage
St. William of Rochester is invoked as the patron of adopted children, bakers, rochester, pilgrims. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. William of Rochester, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.